Senior Communications Specialist for Donor Relations

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Relations, the Senior Communications Specialist for Donor Relations is an exceptional writer, conceptual thinker, and project manager working to advance the University's mission and goals, specifically supporting the highest priority development initiatives at the University level.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level planning and execution for mission-critical writing projects for high-profile DAR initiatives especially directed at soliciting and stewarding our highest level donors.
• Work closely as needed to execute assigned projects with the Office of the President, the Secretary's Office, Principal Gifts, senior DAR leadership, Development Directors in the Schools and Centers, and other University staff and faculty.
• Respond to emerging and sometimes unexpected needs for timely and compelling written communications.
• Produce unique and compelling digital and print pieces for Principal Gifts and other fundraising areas to be presented to donors by the University President and other top Penn administrators.
• As needed, serve as a DAR liaison with outside vendors to ensure a high standard of excellence in outsourced communications projects.
• Interact comfortably and effectively with top levels of the University's leadership and faculty, as well as with valued philanthropists and high level volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required plus 5-7 years relevant work experience in communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Expert writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience writing for fundraising, including compelling case materials, fundraising proposals, and donor stewardship materials required.
• Comfort level and skill with technologies including digital platforms for sharing proposals and other resources with donors, eg. Qwilr.
• Experience writing high visibility executive communications.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function with diplomacy and build positive working relationships with peers and leadership.
• Demonstrated history of effective performance within demanding, deadline-driven environments, and ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor when under pressure.